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FIFA is facing an intense global backlash after its president, Gianni Infantino, awarded U.S. President Donald Trump the inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World” during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C. Critics say the move is not only politically charged but a blatant act of “sportswashing” that undermines FIFA’s longstanding claims of neutrality.
A ceremony that stunned many
During the draw, Infantino presented Trump with a gold-plated trophy, medal and certificate, praising him for “bringing peace” and claiming he “definitely deserves” the honour for his supposed diplomatic achievements. Trump accepted the award by declaring it “one of the great honours of my life,” adding that his administration had “saved millions and millions of lives.”
To many observers, the moment was surreal: an international sports body long known for punishing political gestures on the pitch was now publicly honouring a head of state whose tenure has been marked by foreign-policy controversies, domestic crackdowns, and polarising rhetoric.
Backlash from rights groups, diplomats and analysts
The announcement triggered immediate condemnation from human-rights advocates, policy experts and former UN officials, many of whom said the award was both inappropriate and damaging to FIFA’s credibility.
- A break with neutrality: FIFA has a history of fining players for displaying political slogans or gestures on the field, yet it is now endorsing a sitting president with a divisive global record.
- Opaque selection process: No criteria, shortlist, jury, or process for the Peace Prize has ever been publicly shared, fuelling suspicions that the prize was created specifically for Trump.
- Accusations of sportswashing: Critics say FIFA is helping launder the image of a leader whose administration has been associated with militarised policing, harsh immigration detention, and escalation in several global conflicts.
Andrea Florence: “Sportswashing on steroids”
One of the strongest responses came from Andrea Florence, Executive Director of the Sport & Rights Alliance, who condemned the award in a widely shared statement:
“The World Cup has long been used as an instrument by governments to sportswash their human rights records. But FIFA is now doing the sportswashing itself. Giving this so-called FIFA ‘Peace Prize’ to U.S. President Donald Trump with no clear criteria or process – and despite his administration’s violent detentions of immigrants, crackdowns on freedom of expression, and militarization of U.S. cities – it’s sportswashing on steroids.” — Andrea Florence, Executive Director, Sport & Rights Alliance
Her comments echoed a broader sentiment: that the award serves to gloss over policies and actions widely criticised for exacerbating violence and undermining civil liberties.
A prize that may haunt FIFA
The episode has raised serious questions about what FIFA stands for, and whether the organisation is genuinely committed to neutrality and human rights — or merely willing to use its global platform to curry political favour.
For many, the Peace Prize symbolises a dangerous shift: from promoting the global values of sport, to engaging directly in geopolitical theatre. Critics argue that by placing a peace medal around Trump’s neck, FIFA has effectively used football to whitewash conflict, repression and deep societal division.
Whether the organisation will address the concerns — or further entangle itself in political controversies — remains to be seen.
